Pot Bust in Gage Park Leads Police to $1 Million, Police Say

Police said they found more than $1 million following the arrest of two suspects for pot possession.
View Full Caption

Chicago Police Department

CHICAGO — A Chicago Police dog helped officers sniff out more than $1 million of drug-scented cash after a pot bust, officials said.

Police said they were led to the massive stash after Deering District gang enforcement officers arrested two men they suspected of having pot near West 53rd Street and South Rockwell Street in Gage Park Tuesday night.

After further investigation, police said a police canine "hit" on the money — meaning the dog smelled narcotics on the cash. Cops said they seized $1,048,000 they believe is linked to a narcotics operation.

Cuauthemoc Beltran, 38, was arrested Wednesday and charged with possessing cannabis, police said. Also arrested and charged with cannabis possession was Juan Carlos Tafolla, 27. Both suspects live in the 5300 block of South Rockwell Street, according to cops.

The officers' "tenacity and investigative prowess turned a marijuana arrest into a significant seizure,” Gang Enforcement Division Commander Kevin Ryan said in a statement.